Who would rule the world with their Under-25 team? We reveal the best young line-ups at top clubs... from Manchester United to Barcelona, Bayern to Chelsea and beyond

• Financial Fair Play regulations forcing clubs to produce their own talent 
• Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have a host of their first team under 25
• Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City's sides change a lot

The future's bright... but for some clubs it's much brighter than others.

Europe’s elite teams are constantly scouring the planet for the next upcoming prodigy but with transfer fees being ramped up and Financial Fair Play shifting the goalposts, the powerhouses have to produce their own talent or source it at an early age.

So, who has the best youngsters? Sportsmail looks at which top club has the greatest XI made up of players who are 25 and under.

 

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Eden Hazard (left) and Thibaut Courtois (right), who are both Under 25, pose with the Capital One Cup

CHELSEA UNDER 25

GK – Thibaut Courtois (22)

LB – Cesar Azpilicueta (25)

CB – Kurt Zouma (20)

CB – Andreas Christensen (18)

RB – Fankaty Dabo (19)

DMC – Ruben Loftus-Cheek (19)

DMC – Jeremie Boga (18)

AML – Oscar (23)

AMC – Eden Hazard (24)

AMR – Dominic Solanke (17)

ST – Isiah Brown (18)

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

The Blues might be the current champions elect but the relative obscurity of many in this XI must be cause for concern – five have not made a Premier League appearance this campaign.

Eden Hazard is a contender for player of the year who, when on the same pitch as Thibaut Courtois, Oscar and Cesar Azpilicueta, does give this young side a formidable backbone.

Kurt Zouma has had a promising start in first-team colours, capped by an excellent display in the League Cup final win when he shackled Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has made his league debut.

However, the lack of opportunities for other young players might be something Jose Mourinho will look to address, quite possibly though further shrewd business in the transfer market this summer.

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Chelsea full back Cesar Azpilicueta (right) challenges Tottenham's man of the moment Harry Kane

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Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma (right) has broken into the first team at Stamford Bridge this season

MANCHESTER CITY UNDER 25

GK – Angus Gunn (19)

LB – Jose Angel Esmoris Tasende (18)

CB – Ellis Plummer (20)

CB – Eliaquim Mangala (24)

RB – Dedryck Boyata (24)

DMC – James Horsfield (19)

DMC – George Glendon (19)

AML – Jose Pozo (19)

AMC – Bersant Celina (18)

AMR – Theirry Ambrose (18)

ST – Stevan Jovetic (25)

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

The paucity of first-team experience in our Manchester City XI suggests their big-spending has stunted opportunities for youngsters at the club.

From our XI only Stevan Joveitc, who looks set to leave soon due to lack of first-team chances, and £32m signing Elaqium Mangala, who has largely been a disappointment, have made more than three first-team league appearances this season.

Aside from Mangala, Jovetic and Dedryck Boyata, none of this side have made the giant leap from Under 21 to Premier League football yet.

The club have reacted to this emerging problem by investing millions in their world-class training facilities and youth academy. But this could takes a few years for the results to bear fruit, which may leave them scouting young talent to fill the gap.

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Manchester City centre back Eliaquim Mangala challenges Ramires for the ball during a Premier League clash

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Stevan Jovetic, celebrating a goal for Manchester City, has struggled to make an impact at the Etihad

ARSENAL UNDER 25

GK – Wojciech Szszesny (24)

LB – Kieran Gibbs (25)

CB – Gabriel Paulista (24)

CB – Calum Chambers (20)

RB – Hector Bellerin (20)

DMC – Francis Coquelin (23)

DMC – Aaron Ramsey (24)

AML – Serge Gnabry (19) 

AMC – Jack Wilshere (23)

AMR – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (21)

ST - Danny Welbeck (24)

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

This XI shows the impressive collection of young players that Arsenal have, with a well-balanced side that already holds extensive club and international experience.

Kieran Gibbs, Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshire, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck have all represented England and committed their long-term futures to the Gunners.

Seven of this XI have already started 10 or more Premier League games this season, while Hector Bellerin, now earning rave reviews after an unconvincing start to life in north London, is just one short of this mark.

January signing Gabriel Paulista and Wilshere will fail short due to injury but both are back in full training as they look to reignite their season. 

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Arsenal midfielders Francis Coquelin (left) and Aaron Ramsey, pictured in training, are both under 25

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England midfielder Jack Wilshere has returned to Arsenal training after another injury setback

MANCHESTER UNITED UNDER 25

GK - David de Gea (24)

LWB – Luke Shaw (19)

CB - Paddy McNair (19)

CB – Chris Smalling (25)

CB - Phil Jones (23)

RWB – Rafael (24)

LCM – Daley Blind (25)

CM – Ander Herrera (25)

RCM – Nick Powell (21)

AMC- Adnan Januzaj (20)

ST- James Wilson (20)

Manchester United (5-3-2)

Manchester United have a reasonable spine of youth, led by England defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the 5-3-2 formation Louis van Gaal tried earlier this season.

The XI have made their first-team debuts, though full back Rafael and midfielder Adnan Januzaj appear likely to leave the Red Devils this summer.

This leads one to suggest that United may be looking to recruit more relatively young players this coming summer, as evident last year when signing Daley Blind and Ander Herrera.

The pair have managed to challenge Michael Carrick in the midfield and can take some of the credit for United's change in fortunes as they push for a place in next season's Champions League.

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Manchester United duo Phil Jones (left) and Chris Smalling (right) in action against Liverpool

LIVERPOOL UNDER 25

GK – Danny Ward (21)

LB – Alberto Moreno (22)

CB – Mamadou Sakho (25)

CB – Dejan Lovren (25)

RB – Jon Flanagan (22)

DMC – Jordan Henderson (24)

DMC – Emre Can (21)

AML – Philippe Coutinho (22)

AMC – Raheem Sterling (20)

AMR – Lazar Markovic (21)

ST – Daniel Sturridge (25)

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Similarly to Tottenham, Liverpool have a relatively young first-team squad that contains plenty of English talent through Jon Flanagan, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge.

Aside from goalkeeper Danny Ward, this entire XI have notable Premier League experience with the Reds, amassing 162 starts between them in the competition this season.

Brazil international Philippe Coutinho has succeeded in English football, while summer signings Emre Can, Lazar Markovic and Alberto Moreno have all improved across the campaign, contributing to an upturn in results for the Reds - before the defeat by Manchester United.

This XI also couldn’t find room for Joe Allen or forwards Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini, and 19 year-old Jordan Ibe, who was man of the match in the recent Merseyside derby, reflecting the depth of talent available.

Brazil international Philippe Coutinho, scoring against Man City, has impressed this season with Liverpool

TOTTENHAM UNDER 25

GK – Luke McGee (19)

LB – Danny Rose (24)

CB – Eric Dier (21)

CB – Vlad Chiriches (25)

RB – Kyle Walker (24)

DMC – Ryan Mason (23)

DMC – Nacer Chadli (25)

AML – Andros Townsend (23)

AMC – Christian Eriksen (23)

AMR – Erik Lamela (23)

ST – Harry Kane (21)

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)

Spearheaded by joint-top Premier League scorer Harry Kane, Tottenham can field a side of young players with far more first-team experience than their competitors.

This XI holds 289 first-team appearances between them so for this season across all competitions, with four England internationals. Full back Danny Rose is well-placed to join them soon, with fourth-choice goalkeeper Luke McGee the only player yet to have significant first-team opportunities.

The Tottenham talent pool even goes well beyond this XI - full back Ben Davies and midfielders Benjamin Stambouli and Nabil Bentaleb are all under 24 and have at least 24 appearances each this campaign.

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Tottenham star Harry Kane has been in fine form for the Champions League-chasing Spurs this season

Tim Sherwood: The next Harry Kane is being 'pushed aside'

BARCELONA UNDER 25

GK – Marc-Andre ter Stegen (22)

LB – Alex Grimaldo (19)

CB – Marc Batra (24)

CB – Martin Montoya (23)

RB – Douglas (24)

LCM – Sergi Samper (20)

MC – Sergi Roberto (23)

RCM – Rafinha (22)

LW – Neymar (23)

RW – Munir El Haddadi (19)

ST – Sandro Ramirez (19)

Barcelona (4-3-3) 

Neymar leads the next crop of emerging talent at Barcelona, though the Brazilian is a rare exception in this XI – the majority are La Masia graduates and have played for the Spanish Under 21 side.

Full back Alex Grimaldo is the only player in our XI not already in the Barcelona first-team squad, while centre back Marc Batra has already shown all the capabilities to be a world-class talent.

Sergio Samper has a passing range and calmness on the ball that has already evoked comparisons with Nou Camp legend Xavi,.

El Haddadi and Ramirez both have impressed, and scored, in first-team outings.

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Barcelona star Neymar is the leader of the Catalan giant's extensive crop of youth talent at the club

REAL MADRID UNDER 25

GK – Fernando Pacheco (22)

LB – Diego Caballo (21)

CB – Nacho Fernandez (25)

CB – Raphael Varane (21)

RB – Daniel Carvajal (23)

DMC – Toni Kroos (25)

DMC – Asier Illarramendi (25)

AML – Isco (22)

AMC – James Rodriguez (23)

AMR – Gareth Bale (25)

ST – Jese (22)

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Real Madrid have an embarrassment of riches regarding young talent, with their midfield and attack appearing comfortably the strongest of all our sides.

Toni Kroos is a central midfielder that can control and dictate the tempo of any game, while Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco provide a massive threat going forward.

This leaves no room for exciting young midfielders Lucas Silva and Martin Odegaard.

Los Blancos are equally adept in defence with Daniel Carvajal, Nacho and Raphael Varane, the Frenchman Chelsea have chased in recent times.

Five of this XI have made 14 league starts this season, showing the opportunities handed to youth at the Bernabeu.

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Gareth Bale has endured a turbulent season with Real Madrid this season having impressed last campaign 

JUVENTUS UNDER 25

GK – Emil Audero (18)

LB – Luca Coccolo (17)

CB – Felipe Romagna (17)

CB – Luca Marrone (25)

RB – Pol Lirola (18)

DMC – Stefano Sturaro (22)

DMC – Roberto Pereyra (24)

AML – Kinglsey Coman (18)

AMC – Paul Pogba (22)

AMR – Younes Bnou Marzouk (17)

ST – Alvaro Morata (22)

Juventus (4-2-3-1)

The Juventus XI is led by the excellent midfielder Paul Pogba, though there is a lack of depth as six of these players are yet to make an appearance in Serie A this season.

The club’s nickname of Vecchia Signora, Old Lady in English, certainly appears relevant (kind of) concerning their current squad – 13 first-team players are 30 or older but it seems to be working for Massimiliano Allegri's team as they are currently 14 points clear of second-placed Roma.

The age of the squad is naturally making it difficult for youngsters to progress, though Roberto Pereyra and Stefano Sturaro have impressed in the first team throughout this term as Allegri's side pursue a fourth consecutive Scudetto.

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France's Paul Pogba has been an integral part of the Juventus side 14 points clear at the top of  Serie A

BAYERN MUNICH UNDER 25

GK – Leopold Zingerle (20)

LB – David Alaba (22)

CB – Edwin Schwarz (20)

CB – Patrick Puchegger (19)

RB – Juan Bernat (22)

DMC – Sebastian Rode (24)

DMC – Thiago Alacantara (23)

AML – Sinan Kurt (18)

AMC – Mario Gotze (22)

AMR – Mitchell Weiser (20)

ST – Thomas Muller (25)

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)

Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern possess a talented attack through 2014 World Cup winners Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller, who has been moved from his familiar second-striker role to fit the pair in our XI.

Spain international Thiago Alacantara, a summer signing from Barcelona, has all the attributes to be a great central midfielder though injury has prevented him showing it, whilst Sinan Kurt has shown promise in first-team chances.

Munich have two excellent left backs in David Alaba and Juan Bernat, who has been moved to the right flank to be accommodated in our side, though aside from that they lack any first-team experience in defence.

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Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller is still only 25, despite his vast experience at the top of the game

BORUSSIA DORTMUND UNDER 25

GK – Zlatan Alomerovic (23)

LB – Erik Durm (22)

CB – Matthias Ginter (21)

CB – Marian Sarr (20)

RB – Burak Camoglu (18)

DMC – Sven Bender (25)

DMC – Ilkay Gundogan (24)

AML – Marco Reus (25)

AMC – Mitsuru Maruoka (19)

AMR – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (25)

ST – Ciro Immobile (25)

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)

Borussia Dortmund boast a midfield and attack that appears, possibly aside from Real Madrid, as strong as any other in our list. Aside from Misuru Maruoka, all of them were crucial in Dortmund's run to the 2013 Champions League final and are regular first-team players.

The question for Dortmund will be can they keep this outstanding group together – forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has 12 league goals this season, leading to regular rumours. 

Moreover Marco Reus’ new contract until 2019 may just ensure the club get a reasonable fee for the German international when departing.

Erik Durm impressed at left back playing throughout Dortmund’s troubled start to this Bundesliga campaign, while the rest are yet to gain top-flight experience this season.

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Borussia Dortmund talisman Marco Reus is part of youthful squad at the Bundesliga club

Marco Reus' top five goals for Borussia Dortmund

PSG UNDER 25 

GK – Mory Diaw (21)

LB – Lucas Digne (21)

CB – Marquinhos (20)

CB – Kevin Rimane (24)

RB – Serge Aurier (22)

DMC – Marco Veratti (22)

DMC – Adrien Rabiot (19)

AML – Santy Ngom (22)

AMC – Javier Pastore (25)

AMR – Lucas (22)

ST – Jean-Cristophe Bahebeck (21)

Paris Saint-Germain (4-2-3-1)

Paris Saint-Germain are led by Javier Pastore and Lucas, two outstanding South American attacking midfielders who have 10 Ligue 1 goals between them this season.

Behind them Marco Veratti is a proven talent, seen when helping PSG control the tie that led to them knocking Chelsea out of the Champions League, even when reduced to 10 men. 

Alongside him Adrien Rabiot has already played over 50 first-team games in all competitions for PSG despite being just 19, testament to his all-round ability.

In defence Marquinhos has been a dependable asset at centre back this season and on the flanks, Lucas Digne and Serge Aurier have gradually adjusted to regular first-team football.

Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Veratti is a proven talent in the middle of the park for the French champions